Zimbabwean fashion brands have been making a name for themselves. With their unique designs, innovative techniques, and commitment to sustainability, these brands are redefining what it means to be a fashion label in Zimbabwe.
Towards the future of fashion, the African fashion industry plays a huge role in nurturing local craftsmanship and talent, benefiting various stakeholders within the sector. Zimbabwe, too, stands prominently in this landscape, boasting a wealth of exceptionally talented fashion designers. What sets Zimbabwe apart is not just its pool of diverse talents but also its proactive approach toward shaping the future of African fashion with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices.
Interestingly, a burgeoning wave of Zimbabwean designers has emerged, responding to the growing demand for innovativeness in fashion. These creative designers have taken the initiative to create their products using sustainable materials, contributing to a greener and more eco-conscious fashion scene, with impressive standards that enhance friendly fashion practices.
Contributing to reshaping the Zimbabwean fashion industry, events like the Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party, along with the Zimbabwean Fashion Week, serve as platforms for celebrating the country’s dynamism, offering local brands a unique opportunity to present their innovative creations on the runway. Ahead, you’ll learn about these brands as we explore their contributions to the creative hub of Zimbabwean fashion.
Bakhar
Founded by Yolanda Ngwenya in April 2016, Bakhar is an upscale Zimbabwean fashion brand designed for the sole purpose of authenticity and distinctiveness. Bakhar has achieved noteworthy milestones since its inception. These accomplishments include showcasing at prestigious events such as the Durban Fashion Fair, Bakhar Gown in New York, participating in Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, and contributing to the Ibumba Festival.
A significant part of Bakhar’s fashion production process revolves around sustainable practices. This involves the art of hand painting and natural dying, the use of eco-conscious fabrics like recycled denim that consume less water, repurposing fabric offcuts to create new looks, upcycling, and adopting environmentally friendly packaging methods.
Presently, Bakhar is working on a collection that harmoniously merges sustainable production techniques inspired by African tribes. This creative endeavor aims to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Africa, celebrating the traditional practices and artistry that have been integral to the continent’s fashion legacy.
Haus of Stone
Haus of Stone, a Harare-based fashion brand in Zimbabwe, embraces a deliberate pace and a commitment to Afro-minimalism. Established in 2014 by the creative director, Danayi Madondo Chapfika Madondo, this brand proudly celebrates its African roots.
A significant turning point occurred two years after the brand’s inception when it took a pause to undergo a thoughtful rebranding, emerging as the reinvigorated Haus of Stone. Over the years, Haus of Stone has gained international recognition with features in Vogue and Glamour Magazine. Danayi received nominations for the Best Emerging Designer Award in 2015 and the Entrepreneurs’ Award in 2018 at the Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards.
Recently, the brand represented Zimbabwe at the British Council Creative DNA event during the London Fashion Week. Also, their film ‘Exodus: A Journey To New Worlds’ was featured at the 9th edition of the Fashion Film Festival Milano. Describing itself as ‘where fantasy intersects with reality,’ Haus of Stone embodies a unique fusion of African culture and minimalist fashion.
Paper Pieces
Starting as a humble craft of handcrafted paper beads, Paper Pieces transformed itself into an eco-friendly jewelry venture in 2018. This innovative Zimbabwean fashion brand, founded by Rungano Nyamayedenga elevates the art of paper upcycling to a whole new level, fashioning an array of bead shapes from recycled paper and using them to create exquisite earrings and necklaces.
Paper Pieces takes pride in sourcing its paper locally, often collaborating with artisans who provide discarded magazines and paper materials. By doing so, the brand not only ensures a steady supply of eco-friendly materials but also aims to showcase to these local businesses how they can actively engage in an eco-conscious ecosystem. Each piece of jewelry made at Paper Pieces not only tells a story of artistic creativity but also bears the mark of responsible consumption and environmental consciousness.
Moreover, Paper Pieces goes the extra mile in its commitment to sustainability by thoughtfully packaging each item- sourced, handcrafted with care in Zimbabwe, and finding its home in a unique drawstring bag. These bags are carefully fashioned from leftover fabric pieces, ensuring that even the packaging aligns with the brand’s eco-friendly ethos.
NATAi NATAi
Natai Natai, the brainchild of Cheryl Nyasha Johnson, is a fashion brand in Zimbabwe that epitomizes the intersection of artistry and fashion. Cheryl’s foray into the fashion industry followed a rich history in the world of art, with her initial career as a photographer. This creative background paved the way for the establishment of Natai Natai in 2019, a brand renowned for its distinctive ‘resort wear’ offerings with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Natai Natai’s collections are a testament to its dedication to eco-conscious fashion. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, the brand’s designs embody a chic sensibility, purposefully crafted to complement and celebrate the innate beauty of the feminine form. These creations are not merely clothing; they are wearable art pieces, thoughtfully designed to seamlessly transition from day to night.
Fungai Muzoroza
Zimbabwe fashion brand, Fungai Muzoroza was founded by Sarah Fungai Muzoroza, a multi-talented creative who also co-founded FungaiXRufaro and established the interior and home decor brand, Flo&Co.
Sarah’s artistic endeavors span across multiple domains, including interior design, photography, graphic design, and fine art. Initially conceived as a sustainable fashion label exclusively catering to women, Fungai has evolved into something far more eclectic. Sarah’s vision for her brand transcends conventional boundaries, refusing to conform to any single category.
Her experimental designs defy easy classification, pushing the boundaries of creativity. In 2022, Sarah showcased her diverse artistic talents with her inaugural solo art exhibition titled “The Braided Birthmark” at Artillery Gallery, an exhibition that explores cultural identities through the lens of hairstyling. The display featured an array of acrylic and digital artworks on vinyl, all masterfully crafted by Muzoroza. These pieces paid homage to the intricate tapestry of braided identities, skillfully weaving together various fashion trends and cultural influences.
PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe
PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe is another fashion brand in Zimbabwe and was born out of Chido Kaseke’s passion for handcrafting in 2014. It started as a sustainable slow fashion venture, creating handcrafted biodegradable hessian fiber handbags.
Over the years, Kaseke self-taught herself and trained her full-time female employees in the art of handbag making. The brand’s production process is entirely manual, using minimal electricity, and its supply chain is entirely local, producing authentic Zimbabwean-made products.
PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe has gained recognition, receiving nominations for “Best Accessory Designer of the Year” in Zimbabwe and participating in international trade fairs. The brand’s vision is to grow into a globally renowned slow fashion handbag brand, representing Zimbabwe and appealing to diverse women worldwide.
Vanhu Vamwe
Vanhu Vamwe, a Zimbabwean fashion brand, is dedicated to the art of crafting sustainable handbags. This award-winning brand takes a design approach that harmoniously connects cultures and ethnicities through its creations. Each piece embodies confidence and serves as a powerful statement.
The brand’s name, “Vanhu Vamwe,” translates to “one people” in Shona, encapsulating its ethos of unity. At Vanhu Vamwe, it’s not merely a brand; it’s a thriving community of artisans and storytellers. They’ve pioneered the first Macrame Community in Zimbabwe, collaborating with rural and peri-urban artisans to rejuvenate the ancient art of macrame into a luxurious design form. Their exquisite macrame pieces are meticulously handcrafted using sustainable materials, demonstrating a profound respect for traditional craftsmanship.
Zuvva
Zuvva, founded in 2004 by Joyce Nyagmbo Chimanye, stands as a prominent Zimbabwean fashion brand that has skillfully carved out its own unique space within the contemporary African fashion landscape. At its core, Zuvva places a significant emphasis on the harmonious fusion of African heritage and global influences, resulting in a truly distinctive identity.
Zuvva’s commitment to quality is evident in its choice of fabric composition, predominantly favoring natural fibers, with a main focus on 100% Zimbabwean cotton. To enrich its creations, they also incorporate imported materials such as linens, denim, and silks.
Remarkably, Zuvva’s design palette leans towards a monochromatic color scheme, a choice that has resonated well with discerning fashion enthusiasts. The brand’s reach extends far beyond Zimbabwe, as it has been granted the privilege of showcasing its exquisite creations on runways and within showrooms in various countries. This includes appearances in South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Switzerland, Australia, and the USA.
Zimbabwean Sunshine
Zimbabwean Sunshine, brought to life by the creative mind of Michelle Craig, is more than just a fashion brand in Zimbabwe with a deep commitment to tradition and sustainability. Michelle’s journey as a fashion designer, nurtured in the Netherlands, led her to forge a brand that reverberates with the echoes of Zimbabwe’s rich history and heritage.
At the heart of Zimbabwean Sunshine is a profound dedication to storytelling. Michelle Craig envisions fashion as a canvas for narratives, a means to share the stories of Zimbabwe and its people. Her brand is a testament to the belief that clothing can be a powerful medium for cultural expression. Through meticulous artistry, skillful craftsmanship, and a dash of creativity, Zimbabwean Sunshine breathes life into discarded textiles, transforming them into compelling artworks that embody the essence of Zimbabwe.
When Michelle speaks about her brand, it’s evident that her inspiration is deeply rooted in a desire to foster a sense of national pride. She envisions Zimbabwean Sunshine as a platform for Zimbabweans to wear their country’s history, culture, and spirit with pride, quite literally on their sleeves. It’s about celebrating the unique identity of Zimbabwe in a manner that transcends borders and generations.
J-Sabelo
J-Sabelo, a Zimbabwean fashion brand, came to life as a platform for Designer Jana Mhlaba to channel her creativity and visual expressions while pursuing her studies in Fashion Design in Berlin. Her design aesthetic draws significant inspiration from traditional Ndebele symbolism and the organic shapes often found in streetwear.
In her journey as a designer, Jana transformed her creative concepts into tangible fabric designs. She actively engaged in various collaborative projects, including a sustainability-focused initiative with the startup, Wearex. Together, they worked on reimagining upcycled clothing, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Jana’s passion lies in the realm of upcycling, and she ardently believes in reshaping the perception of our relationship with clothing. Her mission is to challenge the prevailing “throw-away culture” by advocating for a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion consumption.
Char Designz
Char Designz, founded by Charmaine Nziradzemhuka, is a Zimbabwean fashion brand that epitomizes individuality and sustainability. Nziradzemhuka’s journey into the world of fashion began with her education at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where she honed her creative skills and developed a keen eye for design.
What sets Char Designz apart is Charmaine’s unwavering commitment to empowering young girls to pursue their dreams. Through her brand, she seeks to inspire confidence and self-expression, encouraging customers to embrace their uniqueness. At Char Designz, personalization takes center stage.
Customers have the exciting opportunity to infuse their personal style into the garments they choose. Also, Char Designz has taken an innovative approach to the growing demand for sustainability in fashion, introducing a repurposing feature that allows users to breathe new life into their existing wardrobes.
Photo: Instagram.com/hausofstone
